12-year-old hero rescues capsized boaters in Oceanside Harbor

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A 12-year-old waved down a jet skier and brought three people in distress in the ocean onto his family's boat after watching their boat capsize in Oceanside Harbor Sunday morning.

The Oceanside Fire Department says five people in total were rescued after a 25-foot powerboat capsized in breaking waves in the mouth of Oceanside Harbor at 10:25 a.m. Sunday. Lifeguards in Tower 14 on Oceanside Harbor Beach watched as five people were thrown into the water.

The lifeguard station dispatched a Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Rescue Boat and lifeguards on the beach responded, who initiated a Rescue-Ocean response with Fire Dispatch that included the U.S. Coast Guard San Diego, according to the fire department.

Five people were rescued from the water from several private boats that were nearby, including the boat the 12-year-old was on with his family. The fire department credits the boy's junior lifeguard training, which he had been apart of in Oceanside for four summers. The boy saw the boat capsize and waved down a jet skier who helped bring three of the victims to his boat. The fire department says the boy gave one of the victims first aid for a leg injury and applied gauze and tape to control the bleeding, then gave her his own clothes to keep her warm.

All five victims were brought back to the dock by the boats where an Oceanside Fire Engine and Rescue Ambulance were standing by, the fire department said. Three people were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries after being evaluated by paramedics at the dock.

“This incident showcases exactly what the Junior Lifeguard Program is all about,” said Lifeguard Sergeant Lola Swank. “Our youth learn not only lifesaving skills but also how to stay calm, think critically, and help others in moments of crisis. We couldn’t be more proud to see one of our Junior Lifeguards put those lessons into action in a real-life rescue.”

After everyone was rescued, the Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Rescue Boat returned to the capsized boat and towed it out of the channel where Tow Boat U.S. completed salvage and recovery.

The Oceanside Fire Department took the opportunity to remind boaters to always check ocean conditions, wear lifejackets and use caution when operating on the ocean.